How to hire a materials inspector

How to hire a materials inspector, step by step

Here's a step-by-step materials inspector hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a materials inspector job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new materials inspector
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a materials inspector, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A materials inspector's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, materials inspectors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of materials inspectors.

   Type of Materials Inspector	Description	Hourly rate
   Materials Inspector	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	$12-26
   Test Operator	The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement... Show more	$12-23
   Inspector General	An inspector general is responsible for doing audit reports and inspections to ensure that no possible fraud, misconduct, corruption, or power abuse in the government or private sector occurs. Their role is to monitor and inspect the agencies' effectiveness, assess possible mismanagement of a company, and improve the economy... Show more	$14-35

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Asphalt
   • ACI
   • Test Results
   • Construction Materials
   • Field Testing
   • Construction Sites
   • Production Operations
   • ASTM
   • Inspection Results
   • Test Equipment
   • Reinforced Concrete
   • Construction Projects
   • Material Review
   • Inventory Control

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Utilize micrometers and other precision measuring devices to assure appropriate quality and size of finish products per customer specifications.
   • Perform AQL inspection for the returned batches for their specify quality attributes and complete the necessary disposition documentation.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your materials inspector job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A materials inspector can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, materials inspectors' average salary in illinois is 48% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level materials inspectors 51% less than senior-level materials inspectors.
   • Certifications. A materials inspector with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a materials inspector's salary.

   Average materials inspector salary

   $38,864yearly

   $18.68 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level materials inspector salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

4. Writing a materials inspector job description

   A materials inspector job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a materials inspector job description:

   Materials inspector job description example

   • Must be proficient in mechanical inspection methods, techniques and measuring tools & equipment.
   • Minimum 1 year of inspection, testing or quality control (QC) experience.
   • Capable math skills a must. Able to measure and calculate dimensions in both metric and English units.
   • Must be detail oriented and focused on verifying inspection requirements to exacting tolerances.
   • Must have good computer skills and data entry experience,
   • Flexible hours, hardworking team player able to complete and support delivery schedules.
   • Basic knowledge of Geometrical dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT) is desired.
   • Experience in an ISO9000/AS9100 or similar certified organization is a plus.
   • U.S. Citizenship or Qualified US Worker

   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
   The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
   
   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use of hands or fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls and keyboarding; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear.
   
   The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Vision must be correctable so that employee may visually detect scratches and digs.

   Company DescriptionJenoptik is an industry leader in high performance optical systems and healthcare & industry solutions. Optical technologies are the very basis of our business. Our customers primarily include companies in the semiconductor equipment, automotive and automotive supplier, medical technology, defense and security as well as the aviation industries. With more than 30 facilities across the globe and 8 offices in the US, Jenoptik is present in more than 80 countries. Join us to make a difference and experience Sharing Excellence on a global scale.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right materials inspector for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your materials inspector job on Zippia to find and recruit materials inspector candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with materials inspector candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new materials inspector

   Once you've selected the best materials inspector candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new materials inspector. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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